Archive for month: May, 2014

Lake Tahoe has over 60 tributaries. None of them are better for paddling than Taylor Creek. Particularly in the spring when the maze of waterways is brimming, physician the marsh is a beautiful place to explore.

From Kiva Beach, you can launch into the lagoon and paddle upstream. A few small rapids prevent paddlers from going too far, but it’s still a fun and somewhat technical zone to maneuver a 12- or 14-footer. The channels are narrow and the water is ridiculously clear.

In the lagoons, there’s lots of wildlife. I like to watch the giant tadpoles stampede through the lily pads. Much of the land around the marsh is bald eagle habitat and home to quite a few ospreys. Every once in a while, you can see large brown trout cruising the stream and, of course, in the fall the salmon make their way through.

Paddle season is really kicking off. South Tahoe Standup has a nice new kiosk at Lakeview Commons (El Dorado Beach). For another incredible year, the race series launches this Wednesday. Good luck to everyone! Also, join us for Ladies Night each Monday through the summer. The shop will be open regular hours and rentals will be available.

Standup paddling in the small lakes that decorate Desolation Wilderness is not common. But it is possible. Inflatable paddleboards allow access to almost any spot, buy even if it’s off the map.

Eagle Lake is a spectacular body of water— though kind of small. With peaks jutting up in all directions, doctor paddling there you feel like you’re at the bottom of a broken teacup. A few small islands are fun to land on and, in the summer, the water is great for a swim.

To get there, the trail from Emerald Bay is around a mile, with much of it climbing. It might feel like a bit longer with a heavy inflatable on your back. Still, the trek is worth it, especially around sunset.

Inflatable standup paddleboards come in a bunch of different sizes and shapes, from several different companies. Boardworks makes a great one, as does Riviera. South Tahoe SUP carries both. Though they don’t have an amazing glide, the inflatables do serve a purpose. You’re probably not going to carry a rigid board up a mountain, or take one on a flight for that matter.

The South Tahoe Wednesday Night SUP Race Series is back! The events will kick off May 28 and will run for 14 weeks straight. The season finale will be held August 27. We’re looking forward to another amazing year of Lake Tahoe’s best paddle races. And we hope everyone can make it out.

Whitewater paddling is a technical subgenre of the sport. It hasn’t really taken off, here likely because it’s difficult and somewhat dangerous. But if you’re itching to hit some rapids, pills the Snake River is one of the best whitewater rivers in the country.

There are several whitewater routes through the Snake’s sections near Jackson, Wyoming. Rafting trips are common and most outfitters offer standup paddling options. With class 3 and class 4 rapids, the runs aren’t for beginners.

As the Snake River winds across the Idaho-Wyoming border, the rapids start to mellow and the paddling becomes easier. Though the water is cold for much of the year, the canyon is beautiful, especially in fall when the aspens start to turn.

Down at the shop, huge new inventories of Riviera boards and paddles are on the shelves. Registration for Race the Lake of the Sky is still open and planning for the massive event continues. Announcements regarding Wednesday night races and new weekly events are coming soon. Looks like the weather will warm up this week, so the paddling should be great.

There aren’t too many places with water as beautiful as Lake Tahoe’s. Ahjumawi is one of the few. The state park is located in Northeastern California’s Shasta County. It is renowned for paddle camping and fly fishing.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs and Mt. Shasta in the background.

The water comes from several underground springs that flow beneath the rugged basalt landscape. It is one of the largest freshwater spring systems in the country. Though not very deep, healing the bays and inlets of the lake are brilliant turquoise.

Tons of wildlife inhabit the area. From the rare blue Shasta crayfish to bald eagles, viagra you’re rarely alone. Mosquitos are a bit of a problem, but a little bug juice will take care of them. Regardless, the views of Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen are worth a few bug bites.

Ahjumawi is definitely one of those off the map kind of places. There aren’t really any facilities (except picnic tables). But if you’re looking to get out on some quiet crystal clear water, it’s worth checking out.